Ban still in effect in surrounding townships
By Greg Seubert
A statewide burning ban in effect for more than a month has been lifted in the city of Manawa.
Mayor John Smith and Manawa Fire Chief Robert Rosenau announced the lifting of the ban, which took effect May 1, on the city’s Facebook page.
City residents can now resume normal burning in accordance with city ordinance 152-9.
Under the ordinance, outdoor fires are not allowed in the city limits, with the following exceptions:
• Outdoor cooking over a fire contained in a device or structure designed for such use.
• Controlled burning of grass or similar vegetation for environmental management purposes may be permitted with prior written approval of the fire chief.
• Ceremonial campfires or bonfires may be permitted with prior written approval of the fire chief.
• Controlled burning of dry leaves and other nonoffensive dry yard debris from April 1 through May 31 and Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 may be permitted provided that the burning is monitored by a responsible person until the fire has extinguished itself completely; conducted on days when excessive wind or atmospheric conditions will not result in danger to public health or safety; located off the public street pavement or street gutter; located at least 30 feet from any neighboring residence; not used for covert incineration of offensive substances or materials; conducted after 4 p.m.; and open burning shall be prohibited after 9 p.m. and only burning of individual yard waste will be allowed with no hauling in of waste from other areas.
• Other occasions of desirable outdoor burning not specified, but not as an alternative to refuse removal or disposal for which other methods are available, may be granted single occasion approval.
• Whenever approval and special permit are granted by the fire chief, the permit may specify and be conditioned on observance of safety restrictions and insurance requirements.
The fire chief is permitted to prohibit any or all bonfires and outdoor rubbish fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
Also under the ordinance, materials may not be burned upon any street, curb, gutter or sidewalk.
Persons utilizing and maintaining outdoor fires shall be responsible for any liability resulting from damage caused by their fire.
The statewide ban remains in effect for surrounding townships, including Little Wolf, St. Lawrence, Lebanon and Royalton.